Medill Newsmakers

On this edition of Medill Newsmakers we discuss concussions in a sport that has not received as much attention for its concussion problems as football has.

Women’s soccer had the fourth highest sports-related concussion rate per player among NCAA sports and the second most concussions overall, according to a 2015 study done by The American Physical Therapy Association.

Dale Grooms, Head Athletic Trainer at New Trier Township High School, joined us in studio for two segments and talked about the return-to-play protocols. We were also joined by Maurizio Grillo, Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Evanston Township High School, and he shared his experiences with players who had suffered concussions during his coaching career.

Also included are interview segments with Abby Burridge, a Junior Center-Back at Loyola University of Chicago, and Dr. Cynthia LaBella, Sports Medicine Specialist at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

Photo at top: Abby Burridge, a Junior Center-Back for Loyola University’s women’s soccer team, has suffered two concussions while playing for the Ramblers. (Benji Cohen/Medill)

“Ready…set…go!” Matthew Cochran yelled excitedly as he raced toward the entrance of his North Shore apartment. Eager to relax after a busy morning of deliveries, a wide grin stretched across his face as his plaid jacket flapped behind him.

The financial future of Chicago Public Schools already looked dire to those on the inside before Republican officials proposed a state takeover of the district last week. Now, many opponents see it as a vibrant political circus.

“Suggesting the state manage the affairs of Chicago Public Schools is like recommending a cocaine addict handle the affairs of an alcoholic,” said Troy LaRaviere, principal of Blaine Elementary and an outspoken critic of Illinois legislative leadership.

The Republican bill would disband the Chicago Board of Education, transfer district control to an independent party and possibly allow the district to file for bankruptcy in an attempt to close a $480 million deficit. Continue reading →

You can’t see it, you can’t hear it, but it is one of the most potent threats facing Chicago kids. Those who live in city’s most distressed neighborhoods are developing lead poisoning at five times the city’s average. This edition of Medill Newsmakers examines the link between lead poisoning and violence and what’s being done to lower the rate of poisoning. Continue reading →

In today’s age of technology, it can be easy to overlook the endless potential stored within video games. In this edition of Medill Newsmakers we explore how teachers are using video games and comic books to teach children math, history and science.

Women have increasingly been part of the sports world. Professional sports, college athletics and the media. All fields in which women have made long strides during the last decade. But there is plenty of room for improvement and it didn’t always come easy.